Steve,
I have read many of your entries and find you very inspiring. My father had the "three hole proceedure" 3 weeks ago. It is an esophagetomy that is less invasive. There is no abdominal incision so his post-op pain was less I believe.
I am writing to find out what you eat. We are having a tough time figuring this all out. He does have a j-tube still but never tolerated feeds through it at the hospital so they stopped using it. He does tolerate some cream of wheat, soup, mashed veggies and did tolerate some white fish. But these things do grow old quick! He has only had 1 episode (knock wood) of dumping and does not have any complaints of reflux. Just uncomfortable feelings of "being full" up by the top of his throat.
I was just looking for ideas, it sounds like you have done so well and I want to help my Dad so much. We have gone out walking and he is willing to do all he needs, but afraid to eat....especially meat.
Any suggestions!
Thank you so much and I pray your recovery remains postive!
Laura
Laura,
Nothing can make someone feel better than hearing that they may be helping someone. Thanks!
From what I remember, I think your Dad is doing quite well. Three weeks is not very long. Our surgery was not exactly the same, but I believe pretty close. It's been 2 1/2 years now, but I can remember being able to eat only very small amounts and almost everything tasting BAD. I couldn't eat chocolate or drink Diet Mountain Dew - 2 of my staples. What worked for me was eating food that was spicier than I would normally eat. I ate cans and cans of minestone. I had never eaten it before surgery and now can't even look at it. (I have a dozen cans left!!)
Anyway, try different foods, not necessarily what were favorites before surgery. Spice it up a little - small bites - small portions - eat slowly. Try peanut butter. It has good fat and lots of protein.
It will get better. Your Dad will get his sense of taste back. He'll be able to eat bigger potions.
Today, I eat everything I did before - just smaller portions. If I eat too much, at one time, it hurts and I wait it out. When we go to a restaurant, I ask for a doggie box when they bring the meal. I take half the meal home.
Give it time. Keep moving!
Good Luck and keep in touch,
Steve